11.07.2011

One year had passed since I stepped foot in America. I spent that year teaching tiny Korean kids how to read words like, "Happy", "Ambulance" and "Snow mobile". Consequently, I got tired. Repetition of basic English words for 6 hours-a-day puts a wrinkle in your forehead. So, I did the necessary thing at the end of my contract and traveled back to the States for one month.

In those four weeks my fiance, Liz, and I cruised all over the place. We hit Nashville for a wedding, Raleigh for the opening of a chocolate empire, NYC for my sister's engagement party, Northern California to hug my oldest brother and finally back home to Torrance, CA for friends and wedding planning.

The time back highlighted numerous things but really proved only one big thing: if Seoul had Trader Joe's and In-n-Out, it would be hard to leave. Thankfully, especially for my perfect mom, it doesn't.

On a drive to Northern California, the radio volume stayed low, roads stayed empty and my mom and I stayed in coversation I wish never had to end. The talk evolved, ebbed and flowed, calmed and jumped, became serious then lost itself in laughter, but, it never stopped.

We talked for six-and-half-hours straight. And for me, throughout my 30 day stint in the States, I never felt happier. Thanks Mom.

But once the conversation came to a halt, we found ourselves smack dab in front of mister chamber of commerce himself, Dave Ratto. My oldest brother, chef de cuisine, and future local politician. He plotted out a 3 day adventure that lacked no assortment of food, family and overt laughing. Dave has many gifts but his main and most important one is his addiction to loving his family. He can't get enough. And, being a member of that family, hanging with the guy is always a good time.